Recent images ( June 2012) of new work. Monoprints using gold foils and transfer paper. I am doing a show with encaustic artist Anne Bernard at the Maclaughlin Gardens ( South Paris,Me.) during the month of August. The  Opening will be Friday  August 10th. I am planning to  exhibit a few pieces at the
"Peace through Service" art show and auction  held  August 17th at Deertrees theatre in Harrison , Me. I ran into Joyce Mastro from Hole  in the Wall studio and Gallery recently- She expressed interest in me bringing a few pieces to the gallery later in July.

New Designs of 2012 season.
Since Feb. of 2011, I have been monoprinting everyday using the Akua Inks. Many of the papers I am using to cover my books are handprinted designs (mostly) using natural forms placed  right on the plate. Vinca, Rhododendron, Ginkgo, Wild Ginger are to name a few of the flora - My husband owns Halls Pond Gardens ( http://www.hallspondgardens.blogspot.com/) so, I  am fortunate to have ample supply of plants from which to print with.

 I am moving  away fom commercial papers in  my bookmaking. With the use of monoprints, paste paper and  silkscreen , I have a lot  to choose from  of my own creations -and I reallly enjoy the process. Designer at heart. The books designs remain simple , most containing poetry inside.

A small book-The  paper is a mohawk superfine that has been monoprinted using Akua (soy based) inks. I have used vinca leaves in the design of this paper. Inside is a small book with the poem "Theives" by Mark Nepo ( ...."it's the insidious virtue to have everything in order before we live that is the greates thief....")

Sunday April 1st was the Book Arts Bazzar at the Wishcamper center in Portland. An event in celebration of book makers, artists etc. very fun and inspiring .I sold a few books and a lot of my decorative papers ( monoprinted, paste paper design, silkscreened).

                                    WISDOM BOX PROJECT
I have been a companion at the Center  for Wisdom's Women since the fall of 2011.
My involvement started out as an internship for the Chapliancy Institute of Maine ( ChIMEofmaine.org) from which I was recently ordained as an Interfaith minister. Companioning the women and being a  part of the center has been a rewarding experience,  so I have stayed on as a volunteer.

Last summer ( 2011), we had to temporarily leave  our space as it was being renovated. We wanted to come up with a creative project that was simple and portable for the women while we were in transition. I suggested painting & decorating matchboxes and inserting prayers ( poems , blessings and inspirational sayings) into the box - after taking the matches out. It became popular with many of the women- actually "soothing" and "meditative" as some of the women have reflected. We have called them "Wisdom boxes" and continue to sell them as a fundraiser for the center ( http://www.wisdomswomen.org/).

Spring/Summer Teaching Schedule:

Saturday May 19th at GAllery 302 ( www.gallery302.com) from 9:30-4:00
PRINTMAKING/SURFACE DESIGN WORKSHOP
In the morning , we will work our surfaces, using matt medium ,paste paper paints, collage ,gold foils etc. ,and then monoprinting with Akua ( soy based inks) in the afternoon. All material included, no experience necessary.

Saturday, June 9th Gallery 302
BOOK ALTAR WORKSHOP- Using decorative papers, and an assortment of embellishing materials, we will create a structure in which the center panel is worked in layers. No experience necessary, all material;s included.

Thursday July 12th Gallery 302
Printmaking/surface design.

for more information about these classes, contact s.shepley@roadrunner.com ; to register call ( GAllery 302) 207-647-2787.

monoprint/surface design workshop

I am in the process of writing up a flyer for late winter/early spring classes.

The focus will be monoprinting and creating surface design. The latter refers to building up surfaces that can be, then "underpaintings" or a background for a print. Either way, this class is designed to appeal to painters and printmakers alike as well as to the individual who simply loves to play with color and texture.

Gallery 302 monoprint workshop.

I offered a monoprint workshop at Gallery 302 ( a cooperative Gallery in Bridgton, Maine http://www.gallery302.org/)) as part of their Winter series classes. They have nestled off a corner in back of the gallery- It is an excellent space for teaching and part of the proceeds go the gallery itself. Check it out!!; very warm and inviting. There were 5 of us monoprinting with Akua Inks. very fun and a great antedote to a chilly january day !

pages for the Sketch book project

I have been working on putting together images for the Sketch Book project which is sponsored by the Brooklyn Art musuem and tours nationally. There will be an opening at Space Gallery in April ( Congree st. Portland, Maine) of a compilation of sketch books. In mine, I used monoprints and transfer images to create my pages loosely based on Thomas Merton's book THE BOOK OF HOURS and his concept of "Le temps vierge".An experience of time which is both full and empty."nowhereness in the middle of movement, a point of nothingness in the midst of being"- It is a time of openness to everything just as it is.